Can soursop cure cancer? Is tea safe to drink? Side effects
Can soursop cure cancer? Is tea safe to drink? Side effects
It is widely consumed fresh and also used in making soursop juice, candy, sorbet, smoothies, and ice cream
.
Beyond its culinary appeal, soursop has gained global attention for its purported medicinal properties—especially claims that soursop tea or soursop extract can treat cancer.
But what does the science really say? And why do experts strongly caution against relying on soursop as a cancer cure?
Can soursop cure cancer? What Is Soursop (Graviola)?
Soursop comes from the graviola tree (Annona muricata), an evergreen native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. In traditional herbal medicine, soursop fruit, seeds, and leaves have been used to:
- Relieve stomach ailments
- Reduce fever and infections
- Manage high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Treat rheumatism and parasitic infections
- Promote relaxation and sleep (sedative use)
Many people also prepare soursop leaf tea or drink the juice, while others eat the fruit raw or include it in desserts.
Can soursop cure cancer? Soursop and Cancer: What the Research Really Shows
The biggest reason soursop is popular in alternative medicine circles is its alleged anti-cancer benefits.
Internet claims suggest that compounds in soursop may help slow cancer growth, shrink tumors, or make chemotherapy more effective. However, research does not support these claims for humans.
- A 1997 Journal of Medicinal Chemistry study showed that compounds from soursop were effective against breast cancer cells in the lab, but this was only in cell cultures—not in humans.
- A 2016 Scientific Reports study found anticancer effects on prostate cancer cells in mice, but again, no human trials have confirmed these findings.
The active compounds in soursop, called annonaceous acetogenins (especially annonacin), are toxic and unlikely to be tested in human clinical trials due to safety concerns.
Can soursop cure cancer? Why Experts Warn Against Using Sour sop for Cancer Treatment
Bottom line: There is currently no scientific evidence that soursop can treat, cure, or prevent cancer in humans.
Can soursop cure cancer? The Dangers of Using Soursop for Cancer Treatment
While often marketed as “natural” and “safe,” soursop may cause serious health risks:
- Neurotoxicity risk: Studies link soursop leaves and tea to damage in the nervous system, potentially causing movement disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease.
- Toxicity concerns: Long-term consumption may lead to harmful side effects due to annonacin.
- Interaction with cancer treatment: Herbal remedies like soursop may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and cause dangerous herb-drug interactions.
Dr. Daniel Kellman, ND, FABNO, Naturopathic Oncology Provider at City of Hope Atlanta, emphasizes that soursop and graviola supplements are not proven safe or effective for cancer patients.
Herbal Supplements and Cancer: What Patients Should Know
Many cancer patients turn to herbal remedies like soursop tea, turmeric, or moringa to manage symptoms, reduce side effects, or complement conventional treatment. However, experts stress that:
- Herbal supplements are not substitutes for chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
- Self-medicating with herbal remedies can lead to dangerous interactions with prescribed cancer drugs.
- Cancer patients should always consult their oncologist before adding any supplement to their routine.
Key Takeaway
Although soursop (graviola) is a nutritious tropical fruit and may have promising compounds in early laboratory research, there is no clinical evidence that it can treat or cure cancer in humans.
In fact, overuse of soursop may cause serious neurological side effects and interfere with life-saving cancer treatments.
Enjoy soursop as a delicious fruit or refreshing soursop juice, but avoid relying on it as a cancer treatment.
Always seek guidance from qualified medical professionals rather than unverified health claims online.
Keywords
- soursop cancer treatment
- graviola cancer cure myth
- soursop tea for cancer
- soursop health benefits and risks
- guanabana cancer research
- graviola fruit side effects
- Is soursop good for cancer patients
- soursop leaves and cancer treatment
- herbal remedies for cancer
- Why experts warn against soursop
Can soursop cure cancer? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Soursop and Cancer
- Can soursop cure cancer?
No. While lab studies have shown that compounds in soursop may fight cancer cells in test tubes and animals, there is no clinical evidence in humans. Experts warn that soursop is not a proven cancer cure and should never replace conventional cancer treatment.
Is soursop safe for cancer patients?
Not necessarily. Eating soursop fruit in moderation is generally safe, but soursop leaves, tea, and extracts may cause serious side effects such as neurotoxicity (nerve damage) and movement disorders. Cancer patients should always consult their oncologist before using any herbal remedies.
- What are the side effects of soursop tea?
Soursop tea made from the leaves or stems has been linked to:
- Nerve damage
- Movement disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease
- Possible herb-drug interactions when taken with chemotherapy
Because of these risks, experts classify soursop tea as likely unsafe for long-term use.
What are the benefits of soursop fruit?
Soursop is rich in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals, which may support:
- Immune system health
- Digestion
- Hydration
- Energy levels
However, these are general nutritional benefits, not proven cancer-fighting effects.
The belief comes from early laboratory research showing that soursop compounds (annonaceous acetogenins) killed cancer cells in test tubes and animal studies. Unfortunately, these results have not been replicated in human trials, and the compounds are too toxic for safe use.
Can I drink soursop juice during chemotherapy?
Drinking fresh soursop juice occasionally may be safe, but it’s important to consult your doctor. Some compounds in soursop may interfere with chemotherapy drugs, reducing their effectiveness. Always speak with your oncologist before adding any herbal or natural remedies to your diet.
- Is graviola the same as soursop?
Yes. Graviola, soursop, guanabana, and custard apple all refer to the same fruit (Annona muricata), depending on the region.
